Page 110 of When Fate Breaks
I’ve trained my face to paint on a smile and my body to remain at an upright angle between the strict hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. This 7 to 11 p.m. Thursday evening flight, scheduled by Briar & Brooks, did not fall into said window.
Evelyn is the first to rise from her seat when the plane docks, which is made evident by the swish of white-blonde hair in my peripheral vision a few rows ahead. I tear my gaze from the plane window, letting my eyes shut while the two passengers blocking me from the aisle stand to gather their things. I’m not at all ready to stand up and am grateful when I feel my cell phone vibrate in my pocket, allowing me an excuse to stay seated for a few more moments. When I finally dig my phone out of my wrinkled blazer and it’s still vibrating, I realize I’m receiving a call.
Blake Di Fazio
I take a deep breath, slowly letting it out before answering.
“Evangeline.”
“Blake,” I respond, attempting a bright tone.
“I got it,” he whispers.
I think I actually smile; it fades slightly, however, when I quickly remember that I haven’t truly smiled since the last time we spoke on the phone. On my birthday.
“Did you really?”
“Yes, Evangeline. New York City’s newest, biggest, and only garden terrace adjoining hotel suite is mine.”
“How did you get it?”
“Just by checking every hour for the last month. There was a last minute cancellation for tomorrow night right as you boarded your flight.”
“Wow, Blake. That’s great,” I swallow. “Just…it has to be expensive? Are you sure you don’t want to just crash with me? The company is paying for my room.”
“Oh, don’t worry. I fully plan to crash with you the rest of the weekend. This is just for tomorrow.”
“But, still. It’s a lot–”
“Evangeline, I appreciate the concern, but really…I want to do this. Tomorrow’s going to be a rough day. I just…want to surround myself with as many things that will make me happy and divert my attention as much as possible.” Blake lets out a sigh, adding with a whisper, “Other things, you know. Besides…”
Besides me. He’s depending on me.
“Blake…”
“When it comes to this,” he continues, “...the thoughts can drown me if I let them in. I’ve let them every other year but I…I don’t want to do that again. I can’t. If I don’t focus on the present, my mind will wander to the past and I’ll have a really hard time digging myself out. I’m sure this doesn’t make any sense, but…”
More than you think.
“I just need a distraction.”
I completely agree.
“So it’ll be great. After pizza at Angelo’s we can go to the terrace and watch the sunset.”
I need to tell him.
I clear my throat. “That sounds beautiful.”
I can’t tell him yet.
“The pictures online are incredible. I mean, the garden alone is, but the view is insane. You can see every inch of the city. I’m excited for it myself, but…I can’t wait to see your reaction.”
I wasn’t even capable of talking about it until last week, but I can’t tell him yet. Not until after tomorrow.
I feel tears welling in my eyes. I didn’t mean for them to, but it’s just a regular occurrence as of late.
“I’m a little afraid you might pass out from happiness though.”
